Anorexia: the most effective dietary supplements

Anorexia is defined as a loss or marked decrease in appetite, leading to a significant reduction in food intake. It can be caused by psychological factors, as in the case of anorexia nervosa, or by underlying diseases such as cancers or chronic infections. Anorexia nervosa, in particular, is characterized by voluntary dietary restriction and an intense fear of gaining weight, despite sometimes extreme thinness.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for anorexia are varied and can be divided into three main categories: • Physiological : With age, changes in taste and smell may occur, reducing the desire to eat. • Organic : Certain acute or chronic conditions (such as cancer, organ failures, or infections) as well as certain medications (antimitotic agents, opioids) can cause a loss of appetite. • Psychological : Emotional disorders, such as depression or a history of eating disorders, also increase the risk of anorexia.

Etiologies

Anorexia can be related to organic or psychogenic causes. • Organic : It can result from underlying diseases such as cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, or organ failure. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, produced by the immune system in response to inflammation, are often involved in triggering anorexia in these contexts. • Psychogenic : In the case of anorexia nervosa, the disorder is often linked to psychological factors such as an obsessive desire to lose weight, even in individuals who are already extremely thin.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of anorexia is based on several key steps. The medical interview is essential to understand the patients perception of their appetite and weight. It is crucial to differentiate anorexia from early satiety, which can be caused by other digestive disorders. Clinical assessment, particularly in cases of anorexia nervosa, often shows rapid and significant weight loss, associated with amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) in women. Patients may deny their thinness and maintain a distorted body image, perceiving themselves as overweight despite clear signs of undernutrition.

Management

The management of anorexia depends on its underlying cause, but it generally includes several components. • Nutritional support : The gradual reintroduction of a balanced diet is often the first goal. This may involve oral nutritional supplements, or even enteral nutrition (via a tube) in cases of severe malnutrition. • Psychological treatments : In the case of anorexia nervosa, psychotherapeutic follow-up is essential. Cognitive-behavioral therapies, focused on body perception and the relationship with food, as well as family therapies, can play a crucial role in recovery. • Appetite-stimulating medications : In some cases of organic anorexia, medications aimed at stimulating appetite may be prescribed. These treatments are often used as adjuncts to restore nutritional intake.